Pittsburgh Versus Philadelphia

Marian Hossa scored twice as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final on Tuesday.

The Flyers, missing two of their best defensemen, were helpless against the speed and skill of the Penguins offensive attack. To make matters worse on the night, Philadelphia managed just 8 shots over the first two periods. I’m not sure if they were attempting to lull Marc-Andre Fleury to sleep, but it certainly didn’t work as Fleury stood tall in the third period to secure the win for the Penguins.

1984 Entry Draft Connections

Troy Crosby, Sid’s dad, shared the private box with Mario Lemieux on the night. Interestingly enough, Lemieux (1st) and Mr. Crosby were both selected in the 1984 NHL Entry draft. The elder Crosby, a goaltender, was selected 240th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. The Hockey Night in Canada broadcast also mentioned that Gary Roberts (12th), who sat out Game 3 due to illness, and Flyers coach John Stevens (47th) were both selected in the 1984 entry draft as well…small world!

My favorite tidbit about the 1984 draft is the fact that All-Star Major League pitcher Tom Glavine was selected 69th overall by Los Angeles, five rounds before the Kings picked up ‘Lucky’ Luc Robitaille (171st)!

The Calgary flames also took a chance drafting a “plump” Brett Hull out of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League with their 6th round pick (117th), while the Montreal Canadiens made the best and worst ever draft picks back to back drafting Patrick Roy with the 51st pick followed up by Graeme Bonar with the 54th pick.

Hockey News Briefs

Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal left Team Canada at the world hockey championship Tuesday following the death of his grandfather. We wish the Staal family all the best in the coming days as they deal with this tragic loss.

The NHL’s decision not to suspend Detroit goalie Chris Osgood and Dallas forward Mike Ribeiro was the right move, commissioner Gary Bettman told Hockey Night in Canada Radio on Monday. Sources say that Bettman was, yet again, oblivious to what was going on and simply agreed in order to keep his job. Nothing new here.

The Boston Bruins signed forward Chuck Kobasew to a multi-year contract extension after his highest scoring season in five years in the NHL. Regardless of this contract, the Bruins best player is still Milan Lucic.

The San Jose Sharks fired head coach Ron Wilson, and began an immediate search for his new replacement. I’d like to see Pat Burns get the nod for this job now that he has battled his way back from Cancer. he’s got some great experience and is currently sharpening his skills with Team Canada.

The Leafs aren’t the only team interested Nonis, as he continues to be wooed by the Atlanta Thrashers and an unidentified third NHL team that still has a general manager in place. The third team is believed to be the St. Louis Blues. When are standout minor league managers like Kevin Cheveldayoff from the American Hockey League going to get a chance? I’d love to see a competent young GM, especially in St. Louis or Phoenix!